Ingham County Jail unveils new video visitation service

People can now visit Ingham County Jail inmates electronically.MLive file photo

MASON -- Thanks to a new technology, people can visit with inmates at the Ingham County Jail from the comfort of their own home.

On Thursday, Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth announced his department has contracted with Dallas-based Securus Technologies to offer secure video visitation at the Ingham County Jail. That means family, friends, attorneys and others can visit with inmates from any computer with an Internet connection.

The service costs visitors $20 for a 25-minute visit.

"We are excited to have introduced Securus Video Visitation. The benefits to Ingham County, the public and the inmates are immediately noticeable," Wriggelsworth said. "The new video visitation system has created significant operational efficiencies for staff. We no longer have to use resources escorting the public and inmates to the visitation center, which could easily involve two to three deputies.

"Also, we have virtually eliminated the risk of contraband entering the facility through visitation. With this system the public will no longer be entering restricted areas of the jail and instead can choose to visit from the lobby visitation center or remotely, which is much more convenient. All of this allows Ingham County deputies to increase focus on the safety and security of the jail. The public also benefits from this new technology. Instead of having limited visitation days and hours, the public can now choose to schedule and visit with an inmate seven days a week."

Aside from freeing up deputies for other work, Wriggelsworth said the new video visitation also will benefit attorneys and prosecutors, who may find it easier to visit electronically instead of driving to Mason.

Securus is one of the country's largest providers of corrections communications and information management services, serving about 2,200 correctional facilities and more than 850,000 inmates nationwide.

"Securus has been providing telephone service to Ingham County for a
number of years and we are excited to expand our partnership," said Russell Roberts, Securus vice president of marketing and strategy. "With the largest U.S.- based call center and U.S.-based technical support center, no one is better prepared to support Ingham
County and their constituents."

"Securus is a great partner," Wriggelsworth said. "They have proven over the years to have the best customer service,
support and technology in the industry.
Their ability to bring new products to the marketplace is unmatched."